Jun 16 Open sharing

Airbnb launches it Open Homes platform to support free stays for refugees

Airbnb has rolled out its Open Homes platform to support free stays for refugees. The move forms part of the sharing economy firm’s strategy to provide short-term housing for 100,000 displaced people around the globe over the next five years and, to date, 6,000 individuals have volunteered to open up their homes.

Open House, a sub-site of Airbnb’s main website has been designed to help charities and other organisations to connect with hosts offering their homes for free to refugees and other displaced people.

Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia, says to date it has been difficult for people to provide accommodation to those in need but that leveraging the firm’s core competency makes it easy for anyone who has a spare capacity to connect with relief organisations and play a small role in tackling the crisis.

Airbnb has partnered with agencies such as the International Rescue Committee, which specialises in locating temporary shelter for people, who can choose the most suitable homes for the people they are supporting and talk with homeowners.